1. Alarm over access to NHS records

This month, rules about access to medical records have changed in England.

GP surgeries are now required to provide online access to medical records and test results to all of their patients over the age of 16. The NHS app is the means by which this information will be provided - but there has been considerable concern expressed in various quarters. 

Find out who is objecting and why, here

2. Exercise, depression and Parkinson's

As populations around the world age, so the prevalence of Parkinson's is increasing. 

There appears to be a close association between depression and Parkinson's, and it may even be an early symptom which appears several years before the more easily recognised motor symptoms. 

A large study of people diagnosed with depression found that their risk of going on to develop Parkinson's was reduced by regular exercise. 

Find out more here

3. What is Oflog for?

This summer saw the launch of a new Office within the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities. I confess it passed me by.

Oflog stands for the Office for Local Government, and given the significant role played by local government in all our daily lives, it seems sensible to try and understand what it's actually for! 

We have details here

4. EHRC on Disability Action Plan

The EHRC (Equality And Human Rights Commission) has published their response to the UK Government’s consultation on its Disability Action Plan for 2023/24, highlighting that substantial reforms are needed to address issues across the welfare system and public services.

The consultation was initiated by the Disability and Equality Hub of the UK Government, underscoring the importance of the subject matter and the need for our active participation in shaping policies that affect us all.

Keep reading here

5. Update on Martha's Rule

There is now considerable momentum behind "Martha's Rule", which came up in the article about sepsis care in last week's newsletter.

It would enable patients' families to get a rapid second medical opinion if they are concerned about their condition.

The patient safety commissioner, Dr Henrietta Hughes, has drafted recommendations on implementing the system, at the request of Secretary of State Steve Barclay.

Find out more here

6. Lifelong learners

Encouragingly, as far as our mental health and well being is concerned, Brits turn out to be a nation of lifelong learners.

Latest research into learning, skills and interests reveals that almost nine in ten (85 percent) of us consider that we are lifelong learners, with three-quarters having taken a continued education course and almost half reporting it to be in the last 3 years. 

Why are so many of us studying something new, and what are the most popular new skills to acquire?

Find out here